Cespedes Can Negotiate with Teams … and Other Cubs News and Notes

The Cubs are reportedly interested in a trio of Cuban players … Yoenis Cespedes, Jorge Soler and Gerardo Concepcion. While they have been able to negotiate a deal with Concepcion, the 18-year old southpaw, Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer can now officially negotiate a contract with Yoenis Cespedes.

Three of the top prospects in the Cubs’ system made MLB.com’s list of the best minor league players in the game. Brett Jackson (33) and Anthony Rizzo (37) were ranked in the top 50 and Javier Baez was ranked as the 62nd best prospect in the game.

Brett Jackson, Anthony Rizzo and Javier Baez
MLB.com unveiled their list of the top 50 on the MLB Network Wednesday night … and the top 100 list on MLB.com. The top three prospects in the Cubs system according to many of the national publications made the list … and two made the top 50.

Brett Jackson was ranked as the 33rd best prospect in the game with the recently acquired Anthony Rizzo coming in just behind him at number 37. The Cubs first round pick from last June’s Draft, Javier Baez, came in at number 62.

The Brewers had shown interest in signing Kosuke Fukudomeaccording to Ken Rosenthal but have decided against signing Fukudome after committing a combined $4.75 million for Japanese outfielder Norichika Aoiki ($2.5 million posting fee and a two-year, $2.25 million contract). Fukudome would like to continue his Major League career but might end up playing ball in Japan instead.